WE'RE HIRING: Social Work Field Organizer – Midwest

The National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with 115,000 members in 56 chapters nationwide. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

PACE (Political Action for Candidate Election) is the political action committee for NASW and functions to enhance the policymaking environment for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). To elect candidates who will promote future legislative victories, PACE will focus its resources in states where there are competitive U.S. Senate and U.S. House races.

Overview

PACE seeks applicants for a part-time (up to 19 hours per week) Midwest Field Organizer to work from July 23–November 9, 2018 to mobilize members to volunteer and vote for PACE-endorsed candidates. The Organizer should have at least 2 years of relevant experience and a social work degree. The Organizer will work from the NASW Michigan Chapter office with anticipated work in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. The Organizer is expected to work closely with the NASW-Michigan Executive Director and Policy Director to execute the goals of the project.

Compensation

This is a contractual, time-limited position from July 23–November 9, 2018. Pay is $20 per hour. Travel reimbursement, supplies, and office support is covered by NASW. Training will take place via webinar in July 2018.

Goals

Elect candidates who support NASW’s policy agenda.

Build relationships with candidates.

Increase the visibility of NASW and PACE to members and students.

Involve NASW members in political advocacy.

Job Responsibilities

Participate in webinar orientation in July 2018.

Establish and cultivate collaborative relationships with PACE-endorsed candidates and staff.

Establish and cultivate collaborative relationships with community partners, coalitions, and stakeholders that can support and engage in the field organizer project.

Set up phone banks and new media strategies to activate NASW members to encourage them to volunteer and vote for endorsed candidates.

Assist campaigns in coordinating NASW volunteers to attend campaign activities including precinct walking or campaign events such as rallies.

Travel to schools of social work to make presentations to encourage students to get involved in political activity.

Build a database of active member volunteers.

Maintain regular communication with chapter and national staff regarding electoral efforts, including participating in conference calls and submitting monthly reports.

Use bumped voter registration list (provided by National) to encourage members to register to vote and get out the vote.

The national staff, chapter staff, and organizer will communicate on a formal basis via conference call.

All organizers from around the country will participate on regularly scheduled conference calls to share information, ask each other questions, and get new ideas.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Scope of Work

The field organizer’s job is to facilitate election-related activity of members and leaders. The organizer does not provide administrative support to the PACE committee, and does not research, participate in, or provide administrative support for state or local endorsements. The organizer may help mobilize members on behalf of agreed-upon state-level candidates in target districts, however the bulk of the work will concentrate on national-level races. In addition, organizers report directly to the executive director or political staff reporting to the executive director. Organizers do not take direction from the PACE committee or NASW Board; however, they will solicit volunteer time from the state-level committee and Board members in each state.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a hard-working, inspired, and energetic leader with a proven record of accomplishments related to campaign organizing.

Other qualifications include:

Required

Degree in social work.

A deep and demonstrated commitment to the NASW Code of Ethics and social justice issues.

At least 2 years of organizing, campaign, and/or advocacy experience.

Experience in implementing successful grassroots campaigns at the school district, city/county, state and/or federal level.

Experience planning and facilitating workshops, trainings, meetings, or other community events.

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

Experience working effectively with coalitions and building coalitions.

Strong people skills, including experience working effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Strong organizational skills.

Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio.

To Apply

Please submit resume and cover letter to policy@nasw-michigan.org (NO Phone Calls PLEASE) with the subject title “Midwest Field Organizer Application” or mail to:

NASW-Michigan

741 N. Cedar Street

Suite 100

Lansing, MI 48906

Deadline: Until filled.

NASW is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, and encourage applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBT individuals, and veterans.